Work-Life Balance Top Reason for Staying at a Job

Work-life balance and liking what they do are the two biggest factors keeping U.S. employees from looking for another job, new research shows.

A study by the American Psychological Association found that more than two-thirds of the employees surveyed believe one reason in their wanting to stay in their current position is because their job fits well with the other aspects of their lives, while another 67 percent said enjoying the work they do is a reason for not wanting a job elsewhere.

Despite the down economy and tough employment market, the study revealed just 39 percent of employees said a shortage of other job opportunities was the reason behind wanting to stay in their current position.

For those who plan to stay with their employers for more than two years, the biggest drivers of tenure were enjoying the work, having a job that fits well with other life demands and feeling connected to the organization.

David Ballard, head of the American Psychological Association's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program, said Americans spend a majority of their waking hours working and want to have harmony between their job demands and the other parts of their lives.

"To engage the work force and remain competitive, it's no longer sufficient to focus solely on benefits," Ballard said. "Today, top employers create an environment where employees feel connected to the organization and have a positive work experience that's part of a rich, fulfilling life."

The study found the reasons for staying in their job varied by gender.Women were more likely than men to want to stay with their employers because of relationships with their co-workers and managers and their connection to the organization, while men were more inclined to point to their salary and opportunity to make a difference as their reasons for not wanting to work somewhere else.

Age also played a role, according to the research.Work-life balance and enjoying their job were the most likely reasons keeping older employees over the age of 55 in their current positions, while workers under the age of 35 were the least likely to give those motives for staying.

The study was based on surveys of more than 1,200 part- and full-time U.S. employees.

Chad Brooks is a Chicago-based writer who has nearly 15 years' experience in the media business. A graduate of Indiana University, he spent nearly a decade as a staff reporter for the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago, covering a wide array of topics including, local and state government, crime, the legal system and education. Following his years at the newspaper Chad worked in public relations, helping promote small businesses throughout the U.S. Follow him on Twitter.